Navigating the aisles of your local supermarket can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, especially when you're on the lookout for the freshest produce at the best prices.

However, what happens when the price tags leave you more shocked than a pirate finding a chest without gold?

This was the case for one Coles shopper, whose dismay over the cost of strawberries sparked a heated debate and elicited a response from the supermarket giant itself.

Rachael Arahill, a swimwear designer from the picturesque Byron Bay, couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the price of strawberries on her latest grocery run.

A 350-gram Coles Strawberries Premium for $9.50 seemed like 'daylight robbery' to her, and she didn't hesitate to voice her outrage on social media.

'Coles has lost its mind,' she exclaimed.

'Nine dollars fifty for some strawberries. Are they kidding?'

During a recent visit to Coles, Rachael Arahill expressed dissatisfaction with the price of strawberries. Credit: TikTok/@shellandshore

The video, which was intended to call out what she perceived as exorbitant pricing, instead sparked a conversation about the realities of seasonal produce.

Many Aussies chimed in, pointing out that strawberries are not in peak season and that prices naturally fluctuate throughout the year.

'They are out of season, babe,' one commenter explained.

'Fairly standard prices for out-of-season strawberries. In a few months, they will be in season again, it happens twice a year in Australia, and they get down to around $1.50 a punnet. This isn’t something unusual,' another said in agreement.

Coles, for its part, provided a clear and informative response.

‘Prices on fresh produce will change due to seasonal growing conditions, and in the case of strawberries, we are in between seasons; therefore, we aren’t seeing peak growing conditions,’ a spokesperson for the retailer said.

‘As the weather warms up and volumes of strawberries increase from around July to September, we will see the price of strawberries come down again.’

‘Customers can still find great value on other fruit at the moment, such [as] navel oranges and pink lady apples,’ they added.

Seasonality plays a crucial role in the cost and availability of fruits and vegetables.

Strawberries are grown year-round, with different regions taking the lead depending on the time of year.

During the summer months, production comes from areas like Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, southern Western Australia, and the Granite Belt in southeast Queensland.

In winter, the Sunshine Coast and Perth become the primary sources.

While the video left some feeling frustrated, others offered tips to assist fellow shoppers in maximising their shopping experience.

‘I change my identity with food on a weekly basis. If it's too expensive, I’m changing the trajectory,’ one said.

‘I buy frozen berries instead. Berries are so expensive otherwise,’ another suggested.

Despite the educational moment provided by the backlash, there were still many who sympathised with Ms Arahill's frustration, lamenting the rising cost of living and stagnant wages.

'My wages haven't gone up, but everything else has,' one person commented, echoing a sentiment felt by many Aussies in recent times.

Amidst the ongoing debate over fluctuating supermarket prices, the recent uproar surrounding the cost of strawberries at Coles highlights a broader concern among Aussie shoppers.

As they grapple with the pricing of everyday items, including fresh produce, it's evident that the affordability of essentials remains a pressing issue.

This discussion mirrors a larger conversation about the financial strain many Australians face while navigating grocery expenses.

Key Takeaways

• A shopper named Rachael Arahill publicly criticised Coles for high strawberry prices, calling it 'daylight robbery'.
• Coles responded with a statement explaining that the high price is due to strawberries being out of season and that prices will decrease as supply increases in the warmer months.
• Social media users and customers advised Ms Arahill to be aware of seasonal produce pricing and suggested alternatives like frozen berries.
• While some sympathised with the complaint about high food prices, others reiterated the impact of seasonal availability on produce pricing.

Have you experienced sticker shock at the supermarket recently? How do you navigate the peaks and valleys of seasonal produce pricing? Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below.

 

[GrannyJA!]

Everyone is surprised by the cost of their purchases at the major supermarkets, but they don't usually consider that even getting products to the shops has increased dramatically. Even trucking companies have to pay the exorbitant fuel prices we all bitch about. And that's only one part of the process. On the positive side, I have found Coles selling a lot more Australian produce than Woolies, including strawberries, blueberries and kiwi fruit.

 

[steveswr53]

Guess what...there is no one standing there with a gun making you buy it!

 

[chinkapook]

If you don't like the price don't buy it

 

[marni]

Strawberries are not a necessity! People complain about prices when they should just walk by. Stick to the affordable

 

[Jo Piper3]

I put sliced strawberries in a salad but only when they are affordable.

 

[LeahI]

I certainly hope no one pays this price, as it then justifies the supermarket charging it.
Just don't stock them, like when stone fruit is unavailable.
And don't get me started on asparagus!!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I sincerely hope Rachael Arahill doesn't model her own supposed swimwear range.

And I bet she charges $150 for a bikini for something that consumes a whopping $2.00 of fabric.

 

[bluetang]

Checked out the price of ginger at the Rocklea Markets a couple of week ago and ginger was $1.20 to $2.50 kg and the supermarkets are selling it for $27 kg. A rip off?

 

[LeahI]

Checked out the price of ginger at the Rocklea Markets a couple of week ago and ginger was $1.20 to $2.50 kg and the supermarkets are selling it for $27 kg. A rip off?

Also wonder if supermarket ginger is Australian because not all of their garlic is.

 

[NotNats]

another twit complaining about something that's been happening for over 60 yrs or more. But the ratio between your pay and the cost of living is about the same. Why we did sometimes have a bit of spare cash back then was because we didn't waste our money on stupid things we have been told will make our life easier or a must have.
As they say "A fool & his money are easy parted".

 

[Towing]

Look how high the price of bananas go. They can be very expensive and not always good quality.